OPERATION “BOGRAT”

Signed and dated on the front end paper by 

Wing Commander Donald ‘Dimsie’ Stones DFC*

Spellmount Ltd first edition 1990.  128 pages and well illustrated with photographs

Fine condition hardback book and dustjacket. Clean, bright and tight. A lovely copy which feels unread.

A fighter pilot in the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain, the Defence of Malta and in Burma,  Donald ‘Dimsie’ Stones was heavily involved in all of them and went on to enjoy some interesting post war adventures as a test pilot, in the Colonial Service and as an aircraft salesman in Africa.

The spirit and verve he displayed during the Battle of Britain served him well during his life and this book tells his fascinating story with style.

Definition of BOGRAT:  Embryonic form of a lowly species of mammal with vestigial wings.  According to Fighter Command it possessed little intelligence or socially acceptable behaviour and could not fly.  An even more primitive sub-species was identified by the pilots of 32 Squadron when the author joined them at Biggin Hill in January 1940.  They named it ‘BOGRAT DIMSIENSIS’.

An entertaining memoir, neatly signed and a worthy addition to any Battle of Britain library.